One of our favorite tours we featured last year was a stunning 1920s home nestled within the Picardy neighborhood of Ladue, Missouri. Designer Annie Brahler worked with the homeowners, her dear friends Melissa and Colin Smith, to update the home with vintage elegance and charm, yet with reverence to the historic integrity of the architecture.
We are delighted today to revisit this stunning French-style maison, chicly decorated for Christmas! Hundreds of vintage glass ornaments take center stage along with blue and white porcelain, antique Staffordshire dogs, and oodles of chintz. Let’s take a peek inside with photography by Bjorn Wallander…
To learn more about the designer Annie Brahler, please visit eurotrash.us and follow @eurotrashannie on Instagram for ongoing inspiration. We simply cannot get enough of her European-inspired interiors!
La Maison de Frédéric is a three-story, 500-year-old village house in the South of France that has been lovingly restored over the course of four years under the loving care of Utah-based Kyong Millar, founder of the clothing boutique Koo De Ker. Kyong and her husband Donnie holidayed in the south of France for a decade prior to purchasing La Maison de Frédéric, which they acquired during the “existential crisis” of the 2020 Covid pandemic. The three story home had been modernized by the previous owners around 30 years ago, but it still needed a lot of work. Over the next four years, the couple worked with a bilingual site manager who lived in the village via 4 a.m. WhatsApp calls and periodic visits.
After running a fashion and lifestyle boutique for 25 years, Kyong turned her keen eye towards single-handedly designing the interiors of the maison. She and Donnie adored aesthetic of English country houses which she combined with the joie de vie of French fabrics from Pierre Frey, local art and antiques. After deciding to turn La Maison de Frédéric into a holiday home for rent, she went all out, even designing branded house stationery! Let’s take a peek inside with decorations ready for a visit from Père Noël…
La Maison de Frédéric is staffed with daily cleaning, daily pastry delivery, and concierge service. The entire property is rented by the week, Friday-Friday. Click here for additional information and follow @maisondefrederic for ongoing inspiration via Instagram. You can also shop the La Maison de Frédéric aesthetic via Koo de Ker and follow @koodeker.
To see Kyong Millar’s exclusive stationery for Dogwood Hill, inspired by La Maison de Frédéric, click here!
For Emberli Pridham, author of a delightful children’s book series on real life princess and co-author of best-selling STEM books, life at Christmastime is a real-life fairytale. Emberli is an interior design enthusiast who commissioned renowned designer Jan Showers to design her former Dallas home and for the ground-up renovation of her family’s new home in Rhode Island. The Glam Pad adores Emberli’s glamorous aesthetic, her passion for entertaining and celebrating life, and her generous heart.
We are delighted to welcome Emberli today for a Q&A and a trip back in time to Christmas Past with a tour of her former Dallas home, and a peek inside her new home in Rhode island… Welcome Emberli!
Q: Tell me about your vision when it comes to decorating for the holidays.
A: I love everything about the holidays—especially Christmas! When I was a little girl, I would help my grandmother put up her tree and decorate her home. Those memories are so special to me, and they’re the inspiration behind the touches of vintage Christmas you’ll find throughout our home today.
I remember her colorful lights and the 1950s cherry-red Santas she used on her heavily flocked tree. Because of that, I ended up going on eBay and collecting every 1950s vintage Santa I could find, and I decorated our entryway tree with them all. It brings me so much joy and reminds me of the Christmas magic I fell in love with as a child.
Q: How many Christmas trees do you have and how do you come up with the themes?
A: We have several Christmas trees in our home, and each one has its own special theme depending on the room it’s in. Christmas is such a magical time, and we love making every space feel special!
Q: What are your favorite family holiday traditions?
A: When I was young, my parents were ministers near Mexico and at Christmas we would bring gifts to an orphanage. That experience shaped me, and I want to pass that spirit of giving on to our children. With that said one of our favorite family traditions is participating in the Salvation Army Angel Tree each year. Our children each pick an angel and shop for the child they chose.We also bring cookies and dinner to our local police and fire departments to say thank you for all they do—especially during the holidays. It’s so important to us that they learn to think of others during this time of year.
Another tradition we adore is our annual Christmas Party. It’s something we look forward to every year, with ice skating, Santa Claus, and Gingerbread House decorating. This year, we’re even adding a sleigh ride! Now that we live in Rhode Island, everything feels extra magical, especially when we get snow.
Lastly on Christmas Eve, our kids exchange a gift they’ve made for each other. And on Christmas morning, we continue the tradition my parents started—we put whipped cream in our kids’ stockings. It’s silly and fun, and they love it!
Q: How long have you lived in Rhode Island, and did you work with Jan Showers on this home? How does she inspire your Christmas decorating?
A: We’ve been living in Rhode Island full-time since the summer of 2023. We rebuilt our house from the ground up—a special four-year project that we’re finally finishing in 2025. It means so much to us, and partnering with Jan Showers on each room brought our entire vision to life. It’s truly everything we wanted in a home.
Jan has always inspired me with her incredible style and design eye. She’s taught me so much about curating a home, styling spaces, and placing accessories thoughtfully—skills that definitely come in handy when decorating for Christmas!
We also partner with Navy Blooms in Dallas, and its one of the been best gifts. As a mom of four, I don’t have much time to decorate like I use too. So we usually take a fun trip to Maine with the kids while the Navy Blooms team comes in and transforms our home into a Christmas Globe! I give them my vision, and they make the magic happen!
Q: Any tips for others who want to infuse a little glam into their holiday décor?
A: Absolutely! Add color, add sparkle, and don’t be afraid to incorporate pieces you love. Let your decorations reflect your personality. For example, I adore ballet, so in our bedroom we created a Swan Lake ballerina tree—and it’s one of my favorites. Use what you love!
Emberli Pridham and family
Thank you, Emberli, for joining us today! We loved revisiting your gorgeous Dallas home (tour sans Christmas here) and peeking inside your new Rhode Island home! We cannot wait to see more!
For more, please follow Emberli Pridham on Instagram @emberbrooke and make sure to check out her collection of princess books, perfect for the little princess in your life! You will also want to pick up a copy of Jan Shower’s latest book, The Glamorous House.
And for all of your last-minute Christmas shopping needs, please see Emeberli’s Shopping Guide here, as she is one of our 2025 Christmas Tastemakers!
Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. This week we take a look at Bauble Stockings’ big Shark Tank Moment, Ben Pentreath’s double Helix staircase for Fortnum & Mason, and the Dayle Haddon Collection at Freeman’s. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
Bauble Stockings’ Big Shark Tank Moment
One of our favorite holiday traditions just enjoyed a true full circle moment. Bauble Stockings appeared on Shark Tank this week and received a resounding “yes” from host Barbara Corcoran, a milestone that felt as joyful as it was well deserved. For founder Kate Stewart, the moment was nearly a decade in the making. She first wrote down the dream of pitching on Shark Tank in 2016, long before Bauble Stockings officially launched, never imagining that she would one day be standing in front of the Sharks sharing the tradition she cherished.
Kate has long built her legacy on championing women, and Barbara’s enthusiasm added an extra layer of meaning. Every Bauble Stocking is crafted with care—hand-stitched needlepoint made through fair trade in Jacmel, Haiti. Their manufacturing partner, Good Threads Needlepoint, is BCorp Certified, ensuring ethical practices. In addition, each year Bauble Stockings collaborates with select Guest Artists, in exchange for donating 10% of the profits to their charity of choice. Since its launch in June 2018, Kate has donated over $145,000 to organizations making a difference in the world.
Kate has always been candid about her journey and the meaning woven into the brand. She has heard “no” more times than she can count while bringing Bauble Stockings to life, yet she kept moving forward. Along the way, she found the people who understood her vision and believed in the quiet beauty of a small embroidered stocking that becomes a cherished family heirloom.
That community helped carry her to this moment, and her Shark Tank success feels like a shared celebration for all who have embraced the brand. As we inch close to Christmas, we are delighted to toast Bauble Stockings’ well earned spotlight and celebrate the enduring traditions that make this time of year feel truly magical. Click here to shop the Bauble Stockings collection of both full and mini sized stockings. The 12 Days of Christmas full set is at the top of my wish list! Or a Gift Card would make a perfect Stocking Stuffer.
Ben Pentreath’s Double Helix Staircase at Fortnum & Mason
Few places capture the romance of London quite like Fortnum & Mason, and this season the historic institution has unveiled a stunning new architectural jewel. The iconic store recently introduced a double helix staircase designed by one of our favorite British talents, Ben Pentreath, and it is nothing short of spectacular.
The central staircase that many visitors came to know was actually a relatively recent addition. Built in 2007 during a previous renovation, the staircase served its purpose, but it never fully matched the architectural grandeur of the building and often struggled to support the store’s growing number of guests. Fortnum’s wanted a solution that felt more in keeping with the historic setting and that guided visitors between floors with greater ease. The answer is this remarkable double helix design, which brings renewed beauty and intention to the heart of the store.
Rising through three levels in a pair of intertwining spirals, the staircase creates a sculptural moment in the center of the shop. Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s dual-spiral concept, it allows visitors to ascend and descend without crossing paths on a staircase that feels both timeless and completely fresh.
As always with Ben Pentreath, the craftsmanship is exceptional. More than three thousand hand-forged components were made by British artisans, and the result feels perfectly natural to the space, something only Ben could achieve with such ease.
Unveiled in the presence of His Majesty King Charles III, the staircase marks the most significant architectural transformation at Fortnum’s in more than twenty years. It is a thoughtful blend of heritage and innovation and a reminder of why Ben Pentreath remains a favorite for those who believe in the necessity of beauty and tradition. We cannot wait to stop by for tea, a wander through the hampers, and a slow spiral up this new masterpiece.
The Dayle Haddon Collection at Freeman’s
Freeman’s is celebrating the enduring style and legacy of the late Dayle Haddon, model, author, icon, and humanitarian, with Ageless Beauty: The Dayle Haddon Collection, which began yesterday, December 11, and concludes today, December 12. Presented across the house’s Important Jewelry and Holiday Lux auctions, the offering includes fine jewelry, handbags, and couture from Haddon’s personal archives, drawn from a life defined by elegance, purpose, and impeccable taste.
Dayle Haddon’s book titled Ageless Beauty is available via Amazon
Dayle Haddon was a fashion icon in the truest sense, celebrated for a presence that felt effortless rather than ostentatious, and for continually pushing the boundaries of the modeling world. Yet her influence extended far beyond fashion. A devoted humanitarian and advocate for women and girls, she founded the education focused nonprofit WomanOne, a mission that continues through this sale. Consigned by her daughter, Ryan Haddon, a portion of the auction proceeds will benefit the organization, lending the collection a deeper and more resonant meaning.
Among the standout pieces are a pair of Van Cleef & Arpels Snowflake diamond earrings, radiant and unmistakably timeless, alongside numerous other exceptional jewels, haute couture, and even a set of photographs of Dayle taken by Cecil Beaton. These are deeply personal objects, chosen with discernment and offered in a spirit that feels true to Dayle herself.
As the auction draws to a close today, Ageless Beauty reminders us that true style endures, especially when it is paired with generosity and heart.
There is a particular kind of magic that occurs when Charlotte Moss turns her eye toward a house. The famed New York-based designer, whose Virginia roots anchor her sense of warmth and graciousness, has long been admired for interiors her collected, deeply personal, and luxurious aesthetic. The 2025 Southern Living Idea House embodies that unmistakable Charlotte Moss atmosphere… The palette drew from the surrounding landscape with muted greens, chartreuse, soft blues, and gentle layers of pattern that created a calm and welcoming environment.
This holiday season, the Idea House has been transformed for Christmas and the result is enchanting. Charlotte approached the holidays with her characteristic sophistication and a light, knowing touch. Nothing feels forced. Everything feels considered. The house now reads like a Christmas vignette unfolding room by room. The decorations feel wonderfully organic, almost home grown, and reminiscent of an old fashioned Christmas in the very best way. There is a sense of family and warmth woven into every decoration. It is festive but never fussy, which makes the house feel all the more inviting.
The front entry sets the tone with a magnificent overdoor garland woven from foliage, winter berries, fruit, and a cheerful pineapple. It is a greeting that feels timeless and distinctly Southern. Once indoors, the holiday spirit reveals itself through a series of thoughtful moments. Rather than a single showpiece tree, the festivities slip into each corner, allowing for a sense of discovery. Small wreaths hang in the windows. Ornaments sparkle in unexpected places. Branches, pinecones, ribbons, and tiny accents find their way into tabletops and mantels. Even the smallest rooms are invited into the celebration.
12 Days of Christmas needlepoint stockings from Bauble Stockings
What makes the holiday version of the Idea House so memorable is its sense of ease. Charlotte creates beauty that feels natural rather than staged. Nothing is overwrought. Instead, her compositions unfold with a sense of gentleness, as if the house itself has quietly transformed into the spirit of the season and now hums with joy. It is the kind of house that makes you want to linger, step closer to the fire, and savor the simple pleasure of Christmas. In other words, it is Charlotte Moss at her finest.
We love everything Charlotte Moss does and are delighted to have her participate as a Holiday Tastemaker in our 7th Annual Shopping Guide “Christmas with 20 Tastemakers”… click here to see her gift ideas!
Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. This week we pay tribute to Robert A. M. Stern, take a look at Beata Heuman’s collection for de Gournay, and explore Christmas at Blackberry Farms. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
A Tribute to Robert A. M. Stern
This week we are taking a moment to reflect on the incomparable legacy of Robert A. M. Stern, who sadly passed last Thursday at the age of 86. Few architects have influenced the visual language of our time as profoundly as Stern. Today we look back at the enduring elegance he brought to the world.
Stern spent his career reminding the world that timeless design still has the power to stir emotion. He understood beauty in the most classical sense: proportion, materiality, and atmosphere. He believed that tradition is not a constraint but a foundation, and the clarity of that conviction shaped everything he touched.
His buildings brought a kind of polish back to the modern skyline. Fifteen Central Park West remains the ultimate example, a building that reintroduced grace to contemporary living and reshaped an entire era of residential design. His campus and cultural projects carry the same sensibility. They feel settled, dignified, and connected to their surroundings, which is perhaps one of the greatest feats an architect can accomplish.
Stern was equally influential as a teacher and historian. At Yale, he nurtured generations of designers with a deep respect for craft and classicism, and his books on New York’s architectural story have become essential reading. He approached the city with genuine affection and curiosity, and that spirit infuses his scholarship with a richness few can replicate.
What he leaves behind is a legacy grounded in beauty, discipline, and a deep understanding of how architecture shapes the way we live. His work will continue to guide those who believe that classical design still has the power to move culture forward and serve as a reminder that great architecture matters.
Beata Heuman for de Gournay
This winter, de Gournay is bringing a bit of magic to the Upper East Side with a Beata Heuman takeover of its New York showroom. Two rooms have been completely reimagined in Beata’s unmistakable world, layered with pieces from her Shoppa collection and filled with the charm and character that make her work so beloved. Originally from Sweden and now firmly planted in London, Beata has built a reputation for interiors that feel imaginative, nostalgic, and wonderfully idiosyncratic, earning her a loyal following and a place among today’s most influential designers.
Images courtesy of de Gournay.
The pop-up celebrates the debut of two new wallpapers created in collaboration with de Gournay. Fruit Garden is inspired by the dining room of her Swedish countryside home, a hand-painted scene of blossoming fruit trees, fluttering birds, and wildflower meadows that feels like a breath of summer in the middle of winter. Delft Folly channels the crisp beauty of Delft tiles in a vivid blue and white pattern that playfully climbs onto the ceiling. The rooms come together to form an enveloping, storybook space, complete with a Christmas tree that brings a touch of Heuman’s very Swedish holiday spirit to the Upper East Side.
Visitors will also find exclusive porcelain designed with Beata, including a candlestick, a vide-poche, and a wonderfully spirited reimagining of de Gournay’s classic Goose tureen. Every detail feels considered and slightly mischievous in the best way.
For anyone who admires Beata’s imaginative proportions and nostalgic touch, this is a rare chance to step inside her universe and see it beautifully entwined with de Gournay’s artistry. A perfect little festive escape on the Upper East Side.
Christmas at Blackberry Farm
Few places capture the spirit of the holidays quite like Blackberry Farm. Tucked into the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, the property has long been admired for its thoughtful approach to hospitality, where every detail is layered with warmth and intention. This year, the Christmas tablescapes emerging from the Blackberry Farm Shop are setting the tone for our own festive gatherings. These images from their winter collection highlight the atmospheric, considered approach to entertaining that Blackberry Farm is known for, and they have us feeling wonderfully inspired for the season ahead.
Images courtesy of Blackberry Farm.
Layered with embroidered linens, glowing candlelight, and generous branches of winter greenery, the table captures that signature Blackberry Farm mood that feels rustic and earthy yet beautifully refined. Deep greens, warm reds, and amber glassware create a palette that is both traditional and fresh, while handblown ornaments in shades of forest green add a subtle touch of sparkle. Even the simplest place setting becomes elevated beside the flicker of a fireplace and the soft gleam of tapered candles.
What we love most is the sense of ease. Pine boughs trail along the center of the table, mingling with hurricanes, golden coups, and layered textures that never feel overworked. It is Christmas done simply and beautifully, the kind of table that invites guests to linger. Many of the pieces featured here, including the linens, glassware, ornaments, candles, and tabletop accents, are available through the Blackberry Farm Shop, making it possible to bring a hint of Smoky Mountain charm into the home.
Whether set beside a roaring fire or imagined against the Tennessee hills, these tables remind us that the heart of holiday entertaining lies in warmth, atmosphere, and thoughtful details. This year, we are happily drawing some Christmas inspiration from Blackberry Farm. Read more via our interview Mary Celeste Beall, proprietor of Blackberry Farm, here.
Cyber Monday is here, and the sales are even bigger than Black Friday this year! We have updated our favorite sales below, but first let’s take a look at some festive tablescape inspiration from one of our 2025 Holiday Tastemakers, Kim Seybert, who is featuring sales currently up to 75% off…
At the top of my wishlist this year is this stunning vintage-inspired Christmas tree made by hand using a 150-year-old production technique with brass and Czech crystal rhinestones. Also available in red and green… Hint, hint Santa if you’re reading!
For additional ideas, please see The Glam Pad’s Annual “Christmas With The Tastemakers” Shopping Guide, curated by over 20 of the nation’s top interior designers and purveyors of good taste… It contains every idea you could possibly need for hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, children, pets, him, her, and yourself!
Black Friday sales have arrived, and the holiday season is officially in full swing! So pour yourself some eggnog and get ready to shop… Today we are sharing our favorite sales! And don’t forget to check out “Christmas with 20 Tastemakers” – Our 7th Annual Shopping Guide for the most exquisitely curated gift ideas… and even more sales!
For additional ideas, please see The Glam Pad’s Annual “Christmas With The Tastemakers” Shopping Guide, curated by over 20 of the nation’s top interior designers and purveyors of good taste… It contains every idea you could possibly need for hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, children, pets, him, her, and yourself!
Christmas is just around the corner, and when it comes to decorating, The Glam Pad always adores a generous dose of Maximalism. Enter interior designer, Hollis Loudon Puig, one of our 2025 Christmas Tastemakers. Located in Upstate New York, every inch of Hollis’ 1960s center-hall Colonial has been transformed into an enchanted world of color, whimsy, elegance, and delight. It is the perfect backdrop for a sentimental Christmas, as Loudon has incorporated treasures from her late mother’s extensive collections throughout.
It was Hollis’ mother, Barbara Atkins Puig, who inspired her to become an interior designer. With a deeply rooted understanding of color and scale and passion for art and design, Hollis understands how much thought, consideration, and emotion goes into the creation of a successful interior.
Each November The Glam Pad invites 20 of the finest designers and tastemakers to share their curated holiday gift guides. Now in its seventh year, “Christmas with the Tastemakers” has become a cherished TGP tradition as we kick-start our holiday shopping.
We have assembled a treasure trove of delightful suggestions from leading interior designers, artists, tastemakers, and aesthetes alike. Every year our stylish Holiday Tastemakers uncover the chicest gift ideas from the chicest shops, finding everything from hostess gifts to stocking stuffers, for children, pets, significant others, and of course, a touch of indulgence for yourself.
Our goal is for The Glam Pad will be your the ultimate one-stop holiday shop, ensuring that everyone on your list receives a thoughtful gift, no matter the price point. Please click each Tastemaker’s name to see their recommendations. ‘Tis the season!
I always think fresh flowers make the loveliest hostess gift. There’s something so kind and thoughtful about walking into someone’s home with a bouquet that instantly brightens the room. This Laura Ashley bouquet feels especially charming with a soft, classic, gentle English garden feel.
BEST STOCKING STUFFERS
Little gifts that are practical and pretty always feel special, and this portable blender is exactly that. With its soft China Rose floral design, it brings a touch of timeless elegance to Christmas morning while being something you’ll use over and over again after the Christmas period.
GIFT IDEAS FOR CHILDREN
This Laura Ashley pattern matching game is perfect for any child and brings a touch of family fun to Christmas and game nights. It helps children practice matching and memory skills while enjoying fun moments with the whole family.
GIFTS FOR PETS
For those who adore both style and comfort, Laura Ashley Holiday Pups bedding is a delightful way to bring a sense of warmth and care into the home. The brushed cotton is soft and inviting, making it ideal not just for a restful night’s sleep, but also for moments spent curled up with a little furry friend.
GIFTS FOR YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER
The Laura Ashley × The Tie Bar collection features gorgeous prints held in the Laura Ashley archive, bringing heritage florals and patterns into modern accessories. These pieces make a perfect gift for someone special, adding a playful touch of colour and personality to their wardrobe while celebrating timeless style in a fresh, unexpected way.
GIFTS FOR TEACHERS AND NEIGHBORS
This Laura Ashley floral journal makes such a thoughtful gift for teachers or neighbours. It’s perfect for jotting down daily thoughts, planning the week, keeping a diary, or taking notes at work. Practical and beautiful, its the kind of little luxury that makes everyday writing feel special.
WHAT IS AT THE TOP OF YOUR PERSONAL WISHLIST?
At the top of my Christmas wishlist is this China Rose Stand Mixer. I love spending weekends baking cakes for family and friends, and this mixer is not just practical, it is so pretty that it feels like a little piece of joy sitting on the kitchen counter.
Barrie’s cherries – I make an enormous batch of brandied cherries to plop on your French 75, old fashioned or your coffee. A dear friend John Lineweaver created a custom label I stick on the jar, it’s become a crowd favorite!
I realize not everyone wants to make these, so these are a close second. I would add a pretty cocktail spoon to go with.
And for a special hostess gift – this beautiful handmade ice and wine bucket from Carolina Irving & Daughters…I love how it could also be used to hold a beautiful arrangement of flowers.
BEST STOCKING STUFFERS
A tiny wrapped box of jewelry. It’s unexpected and in our house, the stocking is always the last part of Christmas, so it would be a good surprise. I also love kitchen gadgets like wine openers, tasting spoons, handmade wooden spatulas and spoons. Some examples are here, here and here!
GIFT IDEAS FOR CHILDREN
For the little girls, this doll house would be perfect…I love how each room is decorated differently.
For the boys, this vintage inspired car would be a hit!
Oven mitts by Dusen and Dusen. Everyone needs a fresh set of oven mitts
WHAT IS AT THE TOP OF YOUR WISHLIST?
Laguna B wine glasses…This is the most exquisite wine glass. So many colors and all so beautiful. I love having varying heights of stem wear and this is on my list this year.
A leather note jotter is a gift that your loved ones will cherish year-round. We also recommend a pretty makeup bag and basketweave tray.
GIFT IDEAS FOR CHILDREN
This heart egg cup is darling for children or anyone who adores a dash of whimsey! Add some treasures to our keepsake box for a sentimental gift, and a pen cup is a perfect addition to any stylish desk.
An Exquisite hand painted china cup and saucer from Limoges, France and a hand blown lead crystal match striker. Also, this antique silver plated dog cruet. Each of our antiques are one of a kind and sourced especially for us. They make incredible presents for the kinds of people who seem to have everything. Our collection is ever-changing, so do let us know if you are looking to find something particular.
These silverplated bud vases have been very popular at my shop, Paloma & Co. I love that they feel like they could be vintage. If you’re being hosted for the weekend or overnight, another great option is the Flamingo Estate Tablemates Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar set. Whether your friend enjoys cooking or just loves good ingredients, this is always a hit!
GIFT IDEAS FOR CHILDREN
My daughter is at the age where we are learning to ride a bike (we may be late to the party!)This Banwood bicyclewould be the perfect Christmas gift since it marries outdoor fun with great styling. I love that it is minimal and classic. The wicker basket is hard to resist, too!
GIFTS FOR TEACHERS AND NEIGHBORS
A fun or meaningful ornament is always nice because it lives on each holiday season.
Gris Gris – It is an unusual flavored mixer that can be given to anyone, it can be used with or without alcohol. They have unique flavors and they are a female owned business.
BEST STOCKING STUFFERS
Cocktail Napkins – There are many whimsical and fun different options to choose from. As well they are all high quality embroidered cocktail napkins.
GIFT IDEAS FOR CHILDREN
Growing Up Stanley – Locally owned children’s boutique in Virginia, with classic smocked clothing and wonderful pajamas.
GIFTS FOR PETS
The Foggy Doggy – They have a wide variety of prints that I love. As well as coordinating boy and girl items, or you can easily match.
Brackish – I love how they are South Carolina made, handmade, I love the mix of textures, the feathers and metal, and the different array of items from feminine to masculine. They are very interesting and I always get compliments on my cuffs and earrings.
I am thinking about needlepointing a belt! It has been a few years since I have bestowed one on my beloved! If ever in Lexington, pop in to The Eye of the Needle to see the enormous collection here!
NEST NEW YORK x Drawbertson Candle Set – You can’t go wrong with the Nest holiday candle, and this version by Dallas artist Donald Robertson is so chic!
BEST STOCKING STUFFERS
Tuckernuck Tumblers – I love all things blue and white, and these insulated tumblers are a must-have in the Texas heat.
GIFT IDEAS FOR CHILDREN
Brochu Walker Girls Havana Mini Dress – The perfect “mommy and me” moment. I have the women’s version of this dress in a dozen colors and it’s so easy to style!
Loose tea is an ideal favor to keep on hand. When my travels take me to London, I am sure to pick up beautiful tins from Fortnum & Mason. Among our offerings at Victoria magazine, the Brooks 37 Exclusive Phyllis Earl Grey Bespoke Tea, with its notes of pineapple and lavender, is my all-time favorite version of that classic blend.
A monogrammed gift makes a special keepsake, and I am delighted to welcome my first grandchild this year with a layette of beautifully embroidered pieces from Specialties by V. Vilcy Nelson, the artisan and entrepreneur behind the brand, offers a full range of gorgeous textiles worth exploring.
GIFTS FOR PETS
For the most pampered of pets, I would recommend a bespoke pet bed by June St. George. Using their “Design Your Own” tool, you can spend hours daydreaming of custom products to make, including rugs, pillows, and more.
At the top of my wish list is an embroidered silk Aubusson wall hanging that captured my heart during a morning of antiquing at Les Puces during our Autumn in Paris Live Your Bliss Retreat. I left it behind and have thought nearly every day about that pretty, pink floral piece. A more obtainable treasure is the Famille Rose Fruit Bowl. Victoria’s sister brand Bake from Scratch collaborates with Williams Sonoma on several inspiring projects, including a recently released collection of baking mixes and gorgeous aluminum cake pans. We use the brand’s patterns often for photo shoots and events, and I have fallen for the classic beauty and versatility of the Famille Rose pattern. With its eye-catching colors, the shapely footed bowl works well as a vessel for floral arrangements and looks lovely placed on a sideboard or on the kitchen counter.
Because being iconic starts with a thoughtful holiday table.
• Diptyque Holiday Mini Candle Set
The chicest little luxury and the perfect “you truly shouldn’t have, but I’m thrilled you did” gift.
• Nancy & Betty Tartan Crackers
Christmas crackers are the ultimate gift for starting a new holiday tradition. They make any gathering instantly festive and feel wonderfully old-school in the best, most elevated way.
• Morris & Co. Zorlu Napkins
I love these because they are completely transitional. They work for holiday tables, winter lunches, spring brunches, and everything in between. A hostess gift that will actually get used season after season.
I love bringing hostess gifts that can be enjoyed after the party is over (please don’t bring a bottle of wine!). And I’m a big fan of giving a few small things that work together wrapped in a pretty box with a silk ribbon. Our splatterware shell dish and intaglio soap gift set is one of my go-tos this year. I also love to give cocktail napkins. Rebecca Gardner of Houses and Parties has the best, cheekiest selection. I’m partial to the Gnome Cocktail Napkins for holiday gifting.
BEST STOCKING STUFFERS
My two daughters are well-beyond believing in Santa, but they love getting stockings filled with sample size cosmetics and beauty products. Glossier.com is one of their favorite cosmetic brands and they love the Glaze & Line Duo which has color choices for every complexion. For my son, I found the sweetest Key Ring at Smathers & Branson needlepointed with a springer spaniel in honor of our two beloved pups.
Every man I know has received a hand-sculpted bronze oyster knife from me and they love it! The handle – shaped like an oyster shell – fits perfectly in the palm of a man’s hand. Reed Smythe’s Bourbon Lover’s Gift Set is also a great option for a guy.
Books! Our new book Home a Story is available as well as this Special Edition Charlotte Moss x Tara Roma Gill Scarf Made exclusively for Charlotte Moss by Tara Roma Gill. Only 100 of them have been made, so it’s essentially a limited edition. Each box will include a note reading, “Made exclusively for Charlotte Moss by Tara Roma Gill Designs.”
This year, we introduced new Faux Floral Bouquets, which make the perfect modern centerpieces for holiday entertaining and beyond. Each perennial arrangement comes in a swirled mouth-blown glass vase and looks glam on the table, counter, or mantle. They’re already boxed and ready to gift!
BEST STOCKING STUFFERS
Our hand-beaded Nutcracker Coasters make the most adorable stocking stuffers for the holidays. Inspired by Tchaikovsky’s ballet, each set of 4 comes in a gift bag, perfect for placing in a stocking.
GIFT IDEAS FOR CHILDREN
One recent gift I’ve been purchasing for the children of my friends is the 20-foot Inflatable Movie Screen that you can set up in the backyard and project movies onto for movie night. It’s such a fun idea and kids love it, no matter the ages. You can buy them on Amazon, Target, all over.
GIFTS FOR PETS
As a dog lover, I’ve been recommending light-up harnesses and leashes – not the most glamorous gift, but it is a must for visibility when it’s dark! For the pet lover, we have an adorable Gift Boxed Set of 6 embroidered Holiday Paws Cocktail Napkins featuring my favorite, dogs.
GIFTS FOR TEACHERS AND NEIGHBORS
Who doesn’t love flowers? Give them their favorite flowers in one of our handcrafted, mouth-blown Bud Vases. They come in so many fun colors, and anyone would be delighted to receive this heirloom.